Gaussian Dispersion Model

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Gaussian Dispersion Model (GDM) is one kind of the air quality models based on the equation of Gaussian distribution, which is also called the normal distribution. GDM is most suitable for the simulation of inert or stable air pollutants dispersed in the atmosphere. It assumes that the puff or plume emitted from pollution source would reach a steady-state condition through dispersion in the atmosphere. The pollutant within the plume is most concentrated in the wind direction, and becomes less in the cross wind direction, following the theory of Gaussian distribution.

Gaussian distribution is the analytical solution of mass conversation equation solved under constant wind field, and other idealized situation. Therefore, when applying GDM in air quality simulation, some presumption must be considered:

Assumptions of steady and uniform wind speed and direction. Steady means wind field is invariant in time, while uniform means invariant in space.
The simulated air pollutant must be inert or stable species in atmosphere, for example: carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and so on.

Generally speaking, the GDM could be applied in the following applications:

Chimney design and pollution control
Permit application for stationary sources
Design of monitoring network and station
Assessment of fuel change
Evaluation of air pollution control technologies
Planning and design of auxiliary control system
Environmental pollution assessment of newly established pollution sources
Division of air pollution control zones
Research on air pollution reduction program